Starting a small but serious business...

[SamanthaUK]

As most of you know, I'm starting college this september and i'm needing extra money to be able to afford the £700+ bus fair a year. I'm 15 and I have a small job which doesn't pay near enough for me to afford the bus fair. Not only this but I have to get kitted out with new riding equipment so i'm needing money fairly promptly.

I am taking college seriously as I really want to work with horses throughout my life and this is basically a 'definate' stage in my life which i'm not wanting to blow.

I've decided to start a small but serious business in which I can earn some 'extra money'..

My question is does anyone have any idea's I could use to raise money?

Thank you so much!

 

[lynne_macleod]

Although College is fun if you want to work with the actual horses rather than in nutrition etc then getting a practical job is probably a much better option. I know its prob not what you want to here if your heart is set on collage but i wish someone would have told me. I went to Hartpury it was great time and an amazing place, but 3 years later and BSc equine science and a LARGE! student loan later no one i know from the course works with horses! I now run a livery yard and groom for the estate owners which i would have been better off doing a business course for than an equine course. I have only just paid off my debts and allot of employers including myself look for more practical based references. Just something to consider.
If you do go, offering to look after students livery horses is a good money maker for those who cant get up in the morning and can afford to pay you. Good luck
x

 

[SamanthaUK]

Although College is fun if you want to work with the actual horses rather than in nutrition etc then getting a practical job is probably a much better option. I know its prob not what you want to here if your heart is set on collage but i wish someone would have told me. I went to Hartpury it was great time and an amazing place, but 3 years later and BSc equine science and a LARGE! student loan later no one i know from the course works with horses! I now run a own yard which i would have been better off doing a business course for than an equine course. I have only just paid off my debts and allot of employers including myself look for more practical based references. Just something to consider.
If you do go, offering to look after students livery horses is a good money maker for those who cant get up in the morning and can afford to pay you. Good luck
x

I'm already in for the course. It's 2 years long and with-in that time i'll be taking my BHS exams. Also, we're learning horse nutrition, horse biology, horse management and care and horse riding (Flat and Over fences).

My heart is set on it! I just need a bit of money for the bus fare to and from college.

I can't think of a small business to do though :/ It's annoying.

 

[teamsarazara]

Im a year older than you and i'm currently doing the same but more to go straight into a horse career I have school during the week, working at riding school in my holidays and any extra time i have off. Im grooming at weekends, freelance clipping whenever i can and schooling ponies etc. Little things like this, make up a pricelist and maybe a facebook page to see how much interest you get, the wider the range of things you can do the more money you can potentially make!

 

[numptynoelle]

Breaking down £700 a year, works out at under £14 a week - surely you can earn that in a weekend job? Back 12 years ago (when I was your age), I could earn double that in a weekend by doing odd jobs for neighbours - helping clear attics, dog walking, gardening (well, grass mowing and weeding!).

People I did things for were known to my parents so no real strangers, no heavy lifting etc. Worth a shot? If you really want something I'm afraid you have to do what you can to get there

 

[mealies]

babysitting, cleaning services, odd jobs, gardening, dog walking, house/pet sitting.

 

[Batgirl]

Could you not find a yard to work part time at? Good experience and money. Not a life changing small business but hey

 

[MissTyc]

I'm constantly paying teenagers for odd jobs
- helping in the garden, tack cleaning, car and horsebox cleaning, etc ...
If you made yourself known as an available person in your neighbourhood you'd probably get a fair amount of small jobs - offer fence painting as soon as the spring starts to show, lawn mowing, weeding, car cleaning on the driveway, wheely bin cleaning, etc!

 

[JFTDWS]

Breaking down £700 a year, works out at under £14 a week - surely you can earn that in a weekend job? Back 12 years ago (when I was your age), I could earn double that in a weekend by doing odd jobs for neighbours - helping clear attics, dog walking, gardening (well, grass mowing and weeding!).

Equally you could easily earn that next year doing a standard weekend job - e.g. shop work. I used to earn considerably more at a Saturday shop job (9-4) where I seem to recall I spent most of my time messing around with my colleagues or revising, since it was often very quiet.

 

[SamanthaUK]

So during full time college 5 sometimes 6 days a week, £3.95 a day, infact no it's more because i'd be classed as an adult. 16 years old, adult fares up here :l Not too sure how much THAT'S going to be. I earn £20 a week if i'm lucky! So yes, I can afford the bus fare maybe, depending on the 'adult prices'.

I also need to buy new riding stuff. Gaiters, new hat, gloves, a whip..

(Body protector and new coat bought)

This is why I need to earn a little bit more money. It doesn't even have to be a small business. Just a way to earn a bit more money!

Can you think of any 'odd jobs' then?

If I had the time I would work part time on a yard. That's what i'm planning to do after college.

Thanks!

(I don't mean for it to sound snappy, rude, forward, b*tchy etc.. I'm just saying!!)

 

[Honey08]

Do you really need your own business while you are getting adjusted to college and study? You could probably find some bar work for as much money and less hassle setting it all up..

 

[numptynoelle]

Can you think of any 'odd jobs' then?

Erm, we've given you lots already .... dog walking, gardening, housework etc etc List is endless! Make your name locally as being reliable and you'll always be in demand.

 

[SamanthaUK]

Ok, maybe business was the wrong word.
I mean, something so I can earn a bit of cash..

My mate does nails and make-overs. She charges for them and gets money for it. I meant something like that. BUT i'm no good with make up, nails, etc..

:')

 

[SamanthaUK]

Erm, we've given you lots already .... dog walking, gardening, housework etc etc List is endless! Make your name locally as being reliable and you'll always be in demand.

Thanks, yes i've just re-read the answers now. Thanks to everyone

 

[Carefreegirl]

Stick to what you are good at then ?

 

[SamanthaUK]

Stick to what you are good at then ?

This is it, I can't think of anything I could do. :/

 

[el_Snowflakes]

Do you really need your own business while you are getting adjusted to college and study? You could probably find some bar work for as much money and less hassle setting it all up..

OP is only 15.

Can you buy a monthly ticket to save you some £s? also i would say help out at a livery yard. Our yard is assisted DIY but DIY at weekends. people pay me £5 per day for full livery. (i turn out, bring in do stable and feeds)

 

[SamanthaUK]

OP is only 15.

Can you buy a monthly ticket to save you some £s? also i would say help out at a livery yard. Our yard is assisted DIY but DIY at weekends. people pay me £5 per day for full livery. (i turn out, bring in do stable and feeds)

I could probably do some odd jobs while i'm now 15. But I can't legally work at a livery yard and get paid till i'm 16.

 

[teamsarazara]

We get things called 'mega riders' here, sounds funny haha but they are only like £10 a week at the very most...

 

[Custard Cream]

You need to look at your local councils website and see if they do student bus cards. As your under 19 and in full time education you should get student discounts.

 

[SamanthaUK]

You need to look at your local councils website and see if they do student bus cards. As your under 19 and in full time education you should get student discounts.

Oooh! I didn't think of that! On the site now Good idea!!

 

[numptynoelle]

You need to look at your local councils website and see if they do student bus cards. As your under 19 and in full time education you should get student discounts.

http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12433

Look what a google found, don't say we're not good to you OP

 

[teamsarazara]

Do you have any family that would be able to help you with the equipment? You don't have to get the flashy expensive stuff, there is loads of websites with cheap stuff that is just as good.

 

[iconique]

Don't most colleges have a subsidised bus pass or a hardship fund, if you qualify - meaning if your parents or guardians earn under an income threshold. We have had my husbands nephew staying with us, who is only 16 and he got the bus pass for free? (reviewed each term)

perhaps you should research your options before you spend? But fair play if you want to go earn some money. The other problem you will have is most companies don't want to employ under 18's and the jobs suggested are about all that are open to you at your age. The post office will employ 16+

Good luck

 

[SamanthaUK]

http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12433

Look what a google found, don't say we're not good to you OP

Thank you mum :') I was on the site but I couldn't find it. Hehe! Will have a read up on it now.

 

[Carefreegirl]

You must be good at something ? Youre obviously fine with horses so could you for example do clipping this time of year ? Help at yards with turnout / mucking out / teaching ? As already suggested dog walking ? Freelance groom. Anything that fits in with your studies. Any farm shops / saddleries that want weekend staff. Hunt kennels. As long as you punctual and reliable you shouldn't have a problem. It's a case of getting your foot in the door then making opportunities from that. Just thought, how about employment agencies ? Loads of different industries and should be very flexible re hours you can / want to work and if you don't like the placing theyll try you with another. If all else fails one night a week pole dancing should get you a few £100 ! (last bit a joke - I think)

 

[SamanthaUK]

You must be good at something ? Youre obviously fine with horses so could you for example do clipping this time of year ? Help at yards with turnout / mucking out / teaching ? As already suggested dog walking ? Freelance groom. Anything that fits in with your studies. Any farm shops / saddleries that want weekend staff. Hunt kennels. As long as you punctual and reliable you shouldn't have a problem. It's a case of getting your foot in the door then making opportunities from that. Just thought, how about employment agencies ? Loads of different industries and should be very flexible re hours you can / want to work and if you don't like the placing theyll try you with another. If all else fails one night a week pole dancing should get you a few £100 ! (last bit a joke - I think)

Hahaah! Well there's always a last resort!
Surely you have to be 16 to do all those things, baring dog walking? hmmm

 

[Snowysadude]

Hahaah! Well there's always a last resort!
Surely you have to be 16 to do all those things, baring dog walking? hmmm

You dont have to be 16 to legally earn money - I have been legally earning since I was 14 (illegally since 12 ) its just the hours you can work are restricted and the minimum wage is lower when under 16 .

 

[Keimanp]

You may want to look at buying a month bus pass or a weekly one, this will save you a vast amount of money rather than paying every day! I think the month passess are around the £40 a month mark which would be £480 a year instead of the £700...

In addition can you get any of the other items you need for your Birthday or good quality second hand off Ebay or similar (a hat should be bought new though!). Whilst I can understand you wanting new items for going to college with it isn't important and after the first week will look as though you have owned them years anyway!!

 

[Batgirl]

Do not mean to sound catty but if you don't have time to do some part time work at a yard what else are you going to fit in? Yards often look for weekend cover and it would give a you a reference for after college and as a lot of other posters have said you can get other part time work, glass collector in a club (as not over 18), shop work etc.

Also you can legally work on a yard as long as you are over 16 otherwise it is age discrimination and against the Equality Act 2010 and illegal (Though they can not take you due to lack of experience).

£700 a year is not much when you break it down and if you use ebay, equestrian clearance and don't go for big brands the stuff you need shouldn't cost a fortune. I did one of the most intensive university courses there is and fit in being bank staff at a care home which fit around me and no experience needed. Where in NYorks are you?